Ноофен

Quick links to important sections

Ноофен

Selected form

Method of action: Nootropic, Tranquilizing

Treatment option:

Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Ноофен

Property Description
Active ingredient Aminophenylbutyric Acid (Phenibut)
Form Capsules, tablets, or powder for oral solution
Pharmacological class Nootropic and Anxiolytic (Minor Tranquilizer)
Common use Supporting emotional stability and cognitive function
Origin Synthetic Compound (GABA Derivative)

Core Identity and Classification

Ноофен is a recognized trade name for the pharmaceutical preparation containing the active substance Aminophenylbutyric Acid (Phenibut), a fully synthetic compound classified by pharmacologists as both a nootropic agent and a mild anxiolytic. The substance is structurally derived from the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, an endogenous brain chemical. This active substance is classified under the ATC code N06BX22. This classification indicates that the compound is acknowledged for its specific role in affecting the nervous system, distinguishing it from agents focused purely on sedation or pure neuroprotection.

Composition, Origin, and Available Forms

The active core of the medication is Aminophenylbutyric Acid (usually administered as the hydrochloride salt), a synthetic compound that originated in clinical research within the former Soviet Union. The substance is chemically described as 4-Amino-3-phenylbutanoic acid. This pharmaceutical is designed for oral administration and is primarily supplied in solid dosage forms, such as capsules or tablets. The presence of the phenyl group in the molecule is the critical modification allowing it to cross the blood-brain barrier effectively, a feature that enhances its central nervous system activity compared to non-substituted GABA.

General Therapeutic Purpose

By possessing both nootropic and anxiolytic attributes, the general therapeutic purpose of Aminophenylbutyric Acid is to help stabilize the nervous system and support the brain’s resilience against stressors. The medication is broadly utilized to enhance emotional balance, provide relief from asthenia (stress-related weariness), and support cognitive clarity, such as maintaining focus during periods of heightened tension. This dual focus aims to restore mental function and composure.

What side effects are possible with Ноофен?

Possible side effects and safety information

The safety profile of Ноофен (Aminophenylbutyric Acid) is primarily characterized by effects on the central nervous system (CNS) and potential risks associated with prolonged use. Frequencies of adverse reactions may vary by regional regulatory classification, but effects are grouped by system-organ class.


Documented Adverse Reactions and Safety Patterns

Adverse reactions that are frequently observed, particularly at the beginning of treatment, include somnolence (drowsiness), dizziness, and nausea. These effects are classified under Nervous System Disorders and Gastrointestinal Disorders in regulatory documents.

With prolonged or high-dose exposure, the drug's safety profile includes the risk of developing physical dependence and tolerance. Abrupt discontinuation is documented to result in a severe withdrawal syndrome that may manifest as rebound anxiety, severe insomnia, agitation, and, in rare instances, acute neurological events such as psychosis.

Official labels also note the potential for rare complications affecting the liver, specifically fatty liver degeneration, which necessitates monitoring of hepatic and hematological indices during extended therapy.


Absolute Safety Restrictions (Contraindications)

Official regulatory documents explicitly prohibit the use of Aminophenylbutyric Acid in several populations and conditions:

Condition / Population Restriction
Pediatric Patients Contraindicated in children under two years of age.
Hepatic Impairment Contraindicated in severe liver insufficiency or failure.
Gastrointestinal Contraindicated in ulcerative lesions of the GI tract.
Reproduction Contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

These explicit restrictions define the essential safety limits and boundaries for use as formally recognized by government health authorities.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Overdose with Ноофен (Phenibut) is associated with serious central nervous system (CNS) effects that require immediate medical attention. The presentation of toxicity is variable, often resembling an overdose from other CNS depressant medications.

Documented Overdose Symptoms

Symptoms documented in medical and regulatory reports primarily involve the nervous system and include:

  • Altered Mental Status: Extreme drowsiness (somnolence), confusion, agitation, and delirium.
  • Severe CNS Depression: Reduced consciousness, unresponsiveness, or coma.
  • Motor Effects: Tonic–clonic seizures.
  • Other Potential Effects: Hypotension (low blood pressure), tachycardia (rapid heart rate), or hypothermia (low body temperature).

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

Call emergency services (e.g., 911/112) immediately if you or someone else has taken more than the prescribed amount of Ноофен and exhibits any of the severe symptoms listed above, especially:

  • Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness.
  • Difficulty breathing or shallow breathing.
  • Any occurrence of a seizure.
  • Extreme confusion or delirium.

Overdose Management

There is no specific antidote for Ноофен toxicity. Treatment in a medical setting is supportive, focused on managing the patient's symptoms and maintaining vital functions, particularly airway and breathing. Depending on the clinical assessment, supportive measures may include the use of activated charcoal, induction of vomiting, or gastric lavage.

Overdose risk is significantly increased when Ноофен is used in conjunction with other substances that suppress the CNS, such as alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines.

Therapeutic Uses of Ноофен

What Ноофен Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

The primary therapeutic role of Ноофен (Aminophenylbutyric Acid) is to provide supportive relief across several key symptomatic domains. It is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed. In clinical practice within regions where the substance is authorized, it is utilized for its specific effects on the nervous system.

Supportive Relief for Tension and Neurotic Symptoms

The medication is commonly used to help manage symptoms of emotional distress, including generalized anxiety, inner tension, and restlessness, which are challenging manifestations seen in neurotic patients. It is applied during phases of increased distress or discomfort. The medication supports patients during difficult episodes by easing distress and helps maintain a sense of stability when symptoms are more noticeable.

Managing Functional Strain and Asthenia

Ноофен is relevant for addressing symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, such as stress-related weariness (asthenia), mental fatigue, and poor concentration. It is applied in scenarios where symptoms create noticeable functional strain. This support helps improve day-to-day comfort during symptomatic periods and assists with maintaining functional stability.

Quick Fact: Symptomatic Support Domains

The medication is relevant for easing symptoms related to heightened physiological activity and is applied in contexts marked by increased discomfort or tension. It provides support that helps ease the overall symptom burden.

Regulatory References

  1. World Health Organization Pre-Review Report: PHENIBUT

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The eligibility for using Ноофен (Aminophenylbutyric Acid, or Phenibut) is strictly defined by government-approved prescribing information in jurisdictions where the drug is licensed.

Eligibility Scope

Populations for Whom Use is Allowed (as stated in label) Populations for Whom Use is Contraindicated
Adults (typically up to 70 years of age). Pregnancy and Lactation (Breastfeeding).
Children (ages two years and older). Children younger than two years of age.
Severe Liver Insufficiency or Failure.
Ulcerative Lesions of the Gastrointestinal Tract (e.g., gastric or duodenal ulcers).
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or any excipients.

Eligibility Classifications

  • Age-related eligibility rules: The medicine is absolutely contraindicated in children under two years of age.
  • Condition-specific eligibility rules: Use is contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment and in patients with gastrointestinal ulcerations. Use may require caution and adjustment in patients with mild to moderate hepatic or renal impairment.
  • Reproductive Status: Use is contraindicated during both pregnancy and lactation.

Official regulatory documents define these exclusions, ensuring that use is strictly limited to populations where clinical experience is established and specific pathological conditions are avoided.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory information for Aminophenylbutyric Acid (Ноофен) primarily documents interactions based on the mechanism of additive effects within the Central Nervous System (CNS) and alterations to the elimination of specific co-administered drugs.

Pharmacodynamic Potentiation

Co-administration with other CNS Depressants may result in the mutual potentiation and extension of effects, leading to an increased systemic impact. This pattern is noted for several categories of medicines, including:

  • Anxiolytics, Sedatives, and Hypnotics: Increased CNS effects are documented when these drug classes are used concurrently.
  • Opioids and Antipsychotics: Concurrent use may similarly intensify and prolong the depressive effects on the central nervous system.
  • Alcohol (Ethanol): The combination is described in regulatory-aligned literature as having a high risk of additive CNS depression.

Altered Drug Excretion

The regulatory profile also documents that Aminophenylbutyric Acid may influence the elimination of certain other medicines. Official statements indicate that co-administration may increase the excretion rate of specific xanthine derivatives, notably Aminophylline and Bromotheophylline, which could affect the plasma levels of those medicines. No specific mandatory timing rules or separation windows are explicitly documented in high-level regulatory summaries for administration.

Mechanism of Action

Ноофен is a derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid ( GABA) that readily crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Its primary molecular action involves binding to the GABA B receptor, which is a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR). This binding is classified as an agonist interaction, meaning it mimics the action of the endogenous GABA ligand to initiate a cellular response.

Activation of the postsynaptic GABA B receptor initiates a specific intracellular signaling cascade. This mechanism typically involves the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase and the modulation of ion channels, specifically increasing the conductance of potassium ( K^+) ions. The resulting efflux of K^+ ions leads to a hyperpolarization of the neuronal membrane. Furthermore, Ноофен affects the concentration and/or release kinetics of dopamine in specific brain regions.

The combined effect of GABA B receptor hyperpolarization and the modulation of dopamine release constitutes the dual mechanism of action. By increasing membrane hyperpolarization, the threshold for action potential generation is elevated. This results in a net reduction in the spontaneous firing rate of neurons, which ultimately translates to a decrease in overall neural excitability within the central nervous system.

Dosage and Administration Information

The application of Aminophenylbutyric Acid (Ноофен) is defined by specific administration guidelines, which outline the necessary route, dosing, and procedural constraints.

Key Instruction Domain Guideline Description
Administration Routes Primarily Oral administration (tablets, capsules, or powder); it is also available for Intravenous (IV) Infusion in specialized clinical settings.
Standard Dosing Schedule Dosing is standardized with a maximum recommended daily limit of 2000 mg (2 grams). The therapeutic dose typically begins at lower amounts and is adjusted within the range of 250 mg to 2000 mg per day.
Frequency and Timing The total daily dose is administered in divided doses across the day, often requiring multiple administrations (e.g., up to three times daily). Oral forms are generally ingested with water, and powder forms must be mixed with water for proper administration.
Course and Discontinuation The medication is used in defined therapeutic courses or cycles, and it is not intended for continuous long-term use. The protocol for ending treatment includes a gradual dose reduction (tapering) sequence to ensure the course concludes correctly.
Age-Group Use Guidelines designate the use of the medicine for individuals aged two years and older.

The usage protocol is structured around these procedural requirements rather than continuous use. Standardized protocols involve adhering to the total daily amount and distributing it across multiple administrations daily.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of Studies for Ноофен


Evidence for Use in Anxious-Neurotic States

Research has examined Aminophenylbutyric Acid (Ноофен) in the context of conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations of anxiety and neurotic states, such as inner tension, fear, and restlessness. These studies were applied in research contexts involving fluctuating or unstable symptoms to explore outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance. Researchers have primarily conducted clinical trials, although many of these are older or were published in regional, non-international journals.

Studies reported measurements of change in symptom severity and outcomes related to physical discomfort. These studies report how symptoms evolved in the observed populations of adult patients with neurotic conditions. Some trials reported measurements of changes in sleep patterns and overall mental well-being. These findings contribute to research exploring symptom patterns within short treatment periods.


Evidence for Use in Asthenia and Functional Strain

Research has explored the substance in the context of asthenia, including stress-related weariness, mental fatigue, and reduced mental work capacity. These studies explored outcomes reflecting daily functioning or activity level in patients where symptoms may vary in intensity. The evidence consists of clinical trials and observational data often used in research assessing short-term or episodic symptom patterns.

Studies monitored how symptoms evolved in the observed populations of adults with asthenia and emotional lability, focusing on outcomes monitoring physiological strain or stress. Research highlights changes measured during the study period related to objective and subjective measures of functional performance. The findings help contextualize how patients reported their experience concerning mental clarity and work capacity over the studied time intervals.


Understanding Research Gaps and Uncertainties

While studies contribute to the broader evidence landscape, several key limitations are acknowledged in scientific reviews. Evidence quality varies across studies, with many foundational reports using methodologies that may not meet modern international standards for rigor and transparency. Comparative evidence is lacking, meaning that the substance has not been widely studied against many current, internationally approved treatments. Long-term effects are not fully established, and current evidence provides context about group patterns but does not offer individual predictions.

Key Studies & References World Health Organization Pre-Review Report: PHENIBUT

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Ноофен (FAQ)


Q: How quickly does Ноофен start working after taking it?

Official information derived from pharmacokinetic studies suggests that the onset of action after taking the medicine orally is typically reported to be around 2 to 4 hours. This time frame reflects when the active substance reaches its peak concentrations in the plasma, according to available data.


Q: What is the typical duration of a Ноофен treatment course?

Regulatory information indicates that treatment with this medicine is structured as defined therapeutic courses or cycles, and it is not intended for continuous, long-term use. The specific duration of a course is not standardized in official documents, as it requires individualized medical determination.


Q: Does Ноофен help with anxiety symptoms?

The active substance is classified as a mild anxiolytic agent. Official prescribing information indicates that research has examined its use in conditions characterized by symptoms such as anxiety and inner tension.


Q: Can Ноофен be used to improve sleep quality?

Studies on the medicine have specifically monitored changes in sleep patterns in patients dealing with certain neurotic conditions. Official literature notes that the substance is sometimes used in the context of improving sleep quality in specific psychosomatic or neurotic patients.


Q: Why do some people say Ноофен helps with focus and concentration?

The medication is officially classified as a nootropic agent, which is a class of compounds intended to support cognitive function. Its general therapeutic purpose is to support cognitive clarity and help maintain mental work capacity, especially during periods of functional strain.


Q: Are there common side effects to watch out for when starting Ноофен?

Official safety information documents several adverse reactions that are frequently observed, particularly at the beginning of treatment. These commonly reported initial side effects include somnolence (drowsiness), dizziness, and nausea.


Q: Is Ноофен known to cause drowsiness during the day?

Somnolence (drowsiness) is explicitly listed in regulatory documents as a frequently observed adverse reaction. This potential effect should be considered, especially when initiating treatment.


Q: Can Ноофен affect my driving ability or operation of machinery?

Due to the documented potential for side effects like somnolence and dizziness, official warnings advise caution. The use of this medicine may impair attention and reaction speed, particularly at the start of treatment.


Q: What happens if I accidentally take more Ноофен than recommended?

Acute toxicity symptoms can occur with excessive intake, and it is necessary to seek professional medical attention immediately if intake exceeds the recommended daily limit (up to 2000 mg) and symptoms are severe. Symptoms can include central nervous system depression.


Q: What is the mechanism of action of Ноофен in the brain?

The primary way the medicine works is by acting as an agonist at the GABAB receptor, which mimics the body’s natural calming signals. This action reduces the overall spontaneous firing rate of neurons, resulting in a decrease in neural excitability. It is also noted to affect dopamine release.


Q: Why is Ноофен sometimes used before surgery?

In some clinical contexts, the substance is used as a pre- or post-operative measure to address feelings of anxiety, tension, and fear related to the procedure.


Q: What makes Ноофен different from other GABA-related compounds?

The presence of the phenyl group in its structure allows the active substance to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) more effectively, which is what distinguishes its central nervous system activity from non-substituted GABA.


Q: Is there a maximum time someone should take Ноофен?

Regulatory warnings state that the medicine is for use in defined therapeutic courses only and is not intended for continuous, long-term use. This restriction is based on the documented risk of developing physical dependence and tolerance with prolonged exposure.


Q: Is it normal to feel a mild euphoria or stimulation when first taking Ноофен?

While the drug's common effects are typically sedating (drowsiness, dizziness), some clinical reports note that feelings of euphoria or agitation are possible, though less common, adverse reactions to the medicine.


Q: How long does the effect of one Ноофен pill usually last?

Pharmacokinetic data from studies suggest that the overall duration of the effects from a single dose may last approximately 15 to 24 hours.


Q: Can Ноофен be used for motion sickness or vertigo?

Yes, in jurisdictions where it is officially approved, the medicine is indicated for the treatment of certain vestibular disorders. This can include symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo.


Q: Can I buy Ноофен online without a prescription?

In the territories where it is officially licensed and regulated, the drug is classified as a prescription-only (Rx-only) medicine. Its regulatory status and availability without a prescription will vary significantly depending on the country or region.


Q: Can Ноофен improve memory function?

The active substance is classified as a nootropic agent, which is a category used for compounds intended to support general cognition. However, specific claims or extensive data proving a direct improvement in memory function are not usually detailed in standard regulatory summaries.


Q: Is Ноофен primarily for short-term or long-term issues?

The medicine is explicitly intended for short-term use, specifically for defined therapeutic courses. Official documentation cautions that it is not for continuous, long-term treatment.


Q: What should I do if a side effect of Ноофен doesn't go away?

If any side effects persist, do not resolve, or worsen over time, the official safety protocol is to seek consultation with a healthcare professional.


Q: Are there any studies comparing Ноофен to traditional anxiolytics?

Scientific reviews of the available evidence state that comparative evidence is lacking. This means the substance has not been widely studied in high-quality trials against many current, internationally approved anti-anxiety treatments.


Q: How is Ноофен eliminated from the body?

Pharmacokinetic data shows that a significant portion of the active substance is eliminated from the body through the kidneys, being excreted largely unchanged in the urine.


Q: Can Ноофен be used for general mood improvement?

The general therapeutic purpose of the medicine is to help stabilize the nervous system and enhance emotional balance in patients experiencing specific stress-related conditions. It is used to support the brain’s resilience against stressors.


Q: What are the regulatory statuses of Ноофен in different regions?

The active substance is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) under the ATC code N06BX22. In licensed territories, it is typically classified as a prescription-only drug, although specific regulations and availability vary significantly by region.


Q: Is it true that Ноофен can reduce feelings of fear?

Official information and research have specifically explored the substance in the context of conditions characterized by inner tension, restlessness, and fear. This is part of its documented role in treating anxious-neurotic states.

How should Ноофен be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Ноофен?

The official storage and disposal requirements for Ноофен (Aminophenylbutyric Acid) are documented in its patient information leaflet, focusing on maintaining product integrity and safety.

Official Storage Conditions

Condition Requirement
Temperature Store at a temperature not above 25,^circmathrmC (controlled room temperature).
Protection Must be stored in the original package to protect from light and moisture.
Stability Do not use the medicine after the expiry date printed on the package.
Child Safety Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Ноофен must not be thrown away via wastewater or household waste. This environmental restriction is mandatory to protect water systems. Patients are instructed to consult their pharmacist to learn how to properly throw away medicines they no longer need, ensuring appropriate disposal measures are followed.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

Available in countries:

Equivalent of Ноофен found in:

A-Z Index: